June 13, 2011
Champaign, Ill. -
Many of the top Illinois players from the last two decades will take the Assembly Hall floor once again for a Fighting Illini Alumni Basketball Game, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6. Festivities begin at 5 pm.
Members of the I FUND and Illinois men's basketball season ticket holders have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for this event. Tickets are $25 each in level A and $15 apiece in levels B and C. I FUND members and season ticket holders will receive an order form by mail and must utilize that form in order to ensure priority seating. Following the pre-sale, the general public will have an opportunity to purchase tickets beginning July 11 online at FightingIllini.com, in person at the UI Athletics Ticket Office located at the Assembly Hall, or by phone at 1-866-ILLINI-1.
All former members of the Fighting Illini basketball program have been invited back to campus for the reunion weekend. A number of Illini greats have already committed to play in the game and the list of commitments grows daily. Some of the former players scheduled to participate include Deron Williams, Dee Brown, Luther Head, Kendall Gill, Brian Cook, Kiwane Garris, Demetri McCamey, Cory Bradford, Kevin Turner, Jerry Hester, Robert Archibald, Sergio McClain, Brian Randle, Damir Krupalija, Trent Meacham, Mike Davis, Jarrod Gee, Lucas Johnson, Mike Tisdale, Chris Gandy, Jack Ingram, Marcus Griffin, Calvin Brock and Arias Davis, as well as former players and current UI basketball staff members Jerrance Howard, Sean Harrington and Chester Frazier.
At halftime of the alumni game, the University of Illinois will honor its back-to-back Big Ten championship teams from the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. A highlight video will play from the videoboard, a group photo will be taken, and players from those squads will address the crowd. All players present who have an Honored Jersey hanging in Assembly Hall will be introduced during the game as well.
Fans who purchase tickets also will have the opportunity to watch the current Illini squad practice and scrimmage at the Assembly Hall prior to the alumni game. Illinois is taking an international trip to Italy, Aug. 10-20, and will utilize one of its allowable practice sessions on Aug. 6 in order for fans to get an early look at preparations for the 2011-12 season.
"We are excited to welcome everyone back to campus for another Fighting Illini basketball reunion and alumni game," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. "It's important that our former players, managers, support staff members and their families remain involved with our program and continue to have opportunities to return to the U of I and visit with old friends and teammates and share memories. We held our first alumni game in 2008 and it exceeded everyone's expectations. It was truly a special night to have a crowd of more than 15,000 there for the game and watch the unveiling of the Honored Jerseys of the top players in school history. I'm sure this year's event will receive similar strong support as the fans will be excited to see their favorite Illini take the Assembly Hall floor once again."
In addition, Deron Williams will hold an event on Aug. 6 to benefit his Point of Hope Foundation. Through Point of Hope, Williams has pledged to fully endow a scholarship for an Illinois student-athlete. Williams will host a charity post-game reception at the Activities & Recreation Center (formerly IMPE) on the U of I campus from 7:30-10 pm. The reception includes food, wine, a silent and live auction, and the opportunity to meet Williams and a number of former Illini players. The event will support his Point of Hope Foundation as well as the I FUND. Tickets are $100 and can be ordered online through the Point of Hope Foundation website.
